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'Lost' star Matthew Fox in talks for Neil LaBute play in London

August 30, 2010 | 12:08
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On the red carpet Sunday, “Lost” star Matthew Fox let it drop that his career plans will take him to London in the spring to appear in a play that he didn't name. Apparently, it's not the first time he’s mentioned his intent to tread the boards, even disclosing that it would be a Neil LaBute play.

But which one? (Those intrepid reporters keep forgetting to ask.) Speculation has revolved around LaBute’s "second year senior," which had a reading at the Cape Cod Theatre Project earlier this summer, with Andrew McCarthy directing.

Turns out Fox is, indeed, in talks for his West End debut. And, as some have speculated, the play is by LaBute. The rest of the details?

Well, close.

The production is not quite a done deal, says a source familiar with the negotiations. And it won't quite be "second year senior"; that play will have a new title, “In a Forest Dark and Deep.” It still revolves around two siblings hashing out their troubled lives during a storm-filled evening. The role of the sister has not been cast yet, and no theater has been set.

Though he's perhaps best known as Jack Shephard from the now-ended ABC series "Lost," Fox is no stranger to the stage. He graduated from the Atlantic Theater Company's acting conservatory, which was founded by playwright David Mamet and actor William H. Macy. The downtown school’s other alums include Felicity Huffman, Jason Ritter, Kristen Johnston, Skeet Ulrich and Jessica Alba.

Closer to home, LaBute will premiere his play “Break of Noon” at off-Broadway’s MCC Theater, a co-production with L.A.’s Geffen Playhouse. “Californication” star David Duchovny is set to star in the New York production; no word yet on who will appear in the L.A. show.